Archpriest Serhiy: Left occupation only to be arrested by my compatriots
Photo: Archpriest Serhiy in court
Archpriest Serhiy, during the court session, mentioned that it was a great surprise for him to be labeled as a traitor to Ukraine, his lawyer stated in court. He emphasized that he spent six months in occupation but always remained loyal to Ukraine. Despite the presence of Russian troops, he continuously prayed in the church for the return of the territories to Ukraine. According to the priest, evidence of this can be found on his Facebook page. When Father Sergiy arrived in Ukraine, the first thing he did was to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Among other things, the priest raised funds for military equipment and transport for the soldiers.
The archpriest also stated that the money seized by investigators was intended to be spent on the needs of the AFU. He said that the fact the money did not reach the front lines and that soldiers are not being evacuated from the yellow zone is precisely due to the investigators who seized the funds.
Additionally, Archpriest Serhiy expressed his bewilderment at facing a life sentence for inciting religious hatred, as he has always treated other religions with tolerance.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the court extended the detention of Father Serhiy Chertylin for two months.
Read also
U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors
The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.
Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure
The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.
Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia
The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.
Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure
In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.
European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says
Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.
Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day
Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.